Panel of Candidates Ready: BJP Prepares for Phased Announcements.

||Black and White Digital News||

||August ||19,2024 ||

Jammu : In a significant political development, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has officially declared its intention to contest the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections independently, severing ties with ‘like-minded’ parties. This marks a shift from the BJP’s recent strategy in the Lok Sabha elections, where it supported parties such as the Apni Party, hoping to make inroads in Kashmir. However, these parties failed to make an impact, prompting the BJP to recalibrate its approach.

Ravinder Raina’s Bold Announcement: BJP Stands Alone:

J&K BJP President Ravinder Raina, while addressing reporters in Jammu, made it clear that the party will not seek any pre-poll alliances in the Union Territory (UT). “The BJP will have no pre-poll alliance with any political party in Jammu and Kashmir,” Raina stated, signaling a more aggressive strategy for the Assembly elections.

Though the BJP has abandoned formal alliances, Raina revealed that discussions are ongoing with 8 to 10 independent candidates in the Kashmir Valley. “If these discussions materialize, we will contest the elections jointly with them,” he added, hinting at a potential tactical collaboration to consolidate the party’s presence in the Valley.

Targeting a Majority in Jammu and Kashmir:

The BJP’s ambition is clear. Raina emphasized that the party will contest the majority of seats across Jammu and Kashmir. “The BJP is fully geared up for the elections and will soon release the first list of candidates,” he said. Confident of victory, he boldly declared that the BJP will form the next government in Jammu and Kashmir, a claim sure to ignite political debates across the region.

The party’s outreach in Kashmir, a region where it traditionally struggles, is expected to focus on a mix of fielding its own candidates and securing strategic partnerships with key independents. This dual-pronged strategy, if successful, could give the BJP a much-needed foothold in the Valley.

Former Minister Zulfikar Ali Joins BJP: A Strategic Gain:

Adding to the BJP’s momentum, former minister Choudhary Zulfikar Ali has joined the party, bringing a strong support base from the Rajouri-Poonch belt. “His inclusion will significantly boost our prospects,” Raina remarked. Ali’s entry is seen as part of the BJP’s plan to expand its influence in key regions where its presence is not as dominant.

Raina Hits Back at Omar Abdullah Over Article 370:

Raina also responded sharply to National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah’s remarks on Article 370. Abdullah had recently stated that if his party forms the government, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly would pass a resolution against the revocation of Article 370. Raina dismissed the comment, claiming Abdullah’s party is losing ground in the region. “Omar Abdullah is making such remarks because his party is struggling in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

Panel of Candidates Ready: BJP Prepares for Phased Announcements:

Behind the scenes, the BJP has been methodically preparing for the Assembly elections. Sources within the party indicate that panels of three candidates per constituency have been finalized and will be forwarded to the party’s central leadership for approval. The final list of candidates will be released in phases, reflecting a cautious approach by the BJP to avoid internal rifts over ticket distribution.

“The panels prepared by the J&K unit will be reviewed by the central leadership, and feedback from two private agencies hired by the party will be considered when finalizing candidates,” a senior party source said. In an indication of the party’s intent to bring fresh faces, over 50 percent of former MLAs and ex-ministers may not receive party tickets this time around.

The BJP is also closely watching its rival parties, particularly the Congress, which it sees as its primary competition in Jammu. Party insiders reveal that the BJP’s leadership is waiting for Congress to announce its candidates in key Jammu districts before making its own final decisions.

Strategic Patience: BJP Awaits Congress Moves:

In a district like Jammu, where the BJP and Congress are set for a direct contest, the BJP is playing a waiting game. “The central leadership is keeping a close watch on the Congress candidate announcements, especially for seats in the Jammu district,” the source added.

As the BJP gears up for the Assembly elections, it is clear that the party is leaving no stone unturned. With an aggressive strategy, the BJP hopes to secure a significant victory, not just in Jammu but also in the traditionally challenging terrain of Kashmir. With high stakes and a tense political atmosphere, all eyes will be on the BJP as it embarks on its most critical electoral battle in Jammu and Kashmir yet.

This upcoming Assembly election could be a turning point for Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape, and the BJP’s decision to go it alone indicates its confidence in emerging as a dominant force across the region. The party’s strategy to contest independently, coupled with its careful candidate selection and outreach to key independents, reflects its resolve to secure victory and form the next government in the Union Territory.